1

Knoxville 13. August 1805.

Sir

The State of Tennessee is about entering into a contract
with the Agent of Phineas Miller and Eli Whitney, relative to the
Patent right of a machine or new invention for cleaning
Cotton, commonly called the Saw Gin; and the Legislature
has requested the Executive to use all the means in his power
to procure information on the subject - Must therefore request
the favour of your Excellency to inform me, what is the
conceived opinion in the state over which you preside,
respecting the said Millers and Whitney's right to the said
machine, and what the state of South Carolina have
done touching the business; and will thank you for such
other information on the subject, as you may think will
be useful to us in making the contract.

Our Legislature will convene about the middle of
next month, and should be happy to receive your answer
against that time, or as soon thereafter as may be convenient

I have the Honor to be &c

(signed)

John Sevier

His Excellency
The Governor
of South Carolina